In the two preceding articles, I discussed the origins of this pendant and the general history of medallions. Let's move on and take a look at this particular design. The subject of ballerina with pearl is not uncommon in vintage jewelry. A quick google search of"ballerina with pearl jewelry"reveals it may indeed be impossible to trace the origins of...

Medallions have a storied tradition in jewelry design. Circular amulets and pendants were worn in Greco-Roman antiquity to ward off evil and announce status. In many ancient cultures, Medallions likely developed in parallel with the coin as a store of wealth. But why was this medallion...

This strange medallion pendant used to belong to my grandmother and was given to me years ago. Here's what I know (or think I know) about it: It was given to my grandmother by my grandfather's mother. She likely would have bought it near where she lived in Southern Louisiana. I also have in my possession similar heirlooms inscribed with the dates 1960 and 1962, so I believe this particular medallion was also made around the late 50s or early 60s. ...While medallions may conjure imagery of...